About HS Code 320500
Colour lakes are pigments formed by precipitating a soluble dye onto an insoluble substrate, typically a metallic salt (like aluminum hydroxide). This process renders the dye insoluble, making it suitable for applications where pigments are required, such as printing inks, paints, plastics, and cosmetics. They offer good lightfastness and heat stability for certain applications. The trade in colour lakes is driven by industries requiring vibrant, non-bleeding colors, particularly in packaging, decorative coatings, and certain food-contact materials (where approved). Major importers include countries with significant printing, packaging, and plastics manufacturing sectors, such as China, the USA, Germany, and India. Exporters are often chemical companies specializing in pigment production, found in countries like China, India, and Germany. Key considerations include regulatory compliance for heavy metals, particle size distribution for optimal performance, and the selection of appropriate substrates to achieve desired properties.
Products Under This Code
Lithol Rubine B, Lake Red C, Tartrazine Lake, Erythrosine Lake, Indigo Carmine Lake, Sunset Yellow Lake, Brilliant Blue FCF Lake
Real World Examples
Sun Chemical Laked pigments, DIC Dainichiseika Lake pigments, BASF Irgalite Lake pigments, Clariant Hostaperm Lake pigments
Common Misclassification
Colour lakes are often confused with other synthetic organic pigments (320417) or even inorganic pigments (3206) if the specific "lake" formation process from a dye is not recognized.
Products Classified Under 3205.00
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
China, the USA, Germany, and India are significant players in the global trade of colour lakes, driven by their diverse manufacturing industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 320500?
HS code 320500 covers: Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter. Colour lakes are pigments formed by precipitating a soluble dye onto an insoluble substrate, typically a metallic salt (like aluminum hydroxide). This process renders the dye insoluble, making it suitable for applications where pigments are required, such as printing inks, paints, plastics, and cosmetics. They offer good lightfastness and heat stability for certain applications. The trade in colour lakes is driven by industries requiring vibrant, non-bleeding colors, particularly in packaging, decorative coatings, and certain food-contact materials (where approved). Major importers include countries with significant printing, packaging, and plastics manufacturing sectors, such as China, the USA, Germany, and India. Exporters are often chemical companies specializing in pigment production, found in countries like China, India, and Germany. Key considerations include regulatory compliance for heavy metals, particle size distribution for optimal performance, and the selection of appropriate substrates to achieve desired properties.
What products fall under HS code 320500?
Lithol Rubine B, Lake Red C, Tartrazine Lake, Erythrosine Lake, Indigo Carmine Lake, Sunset Yellow Lake, Brilliant Blue FCF Lake
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320500?
Colour lakes are often confused with other synthetic organic pigments (320417) or even inorganic pigments (3206) if the specific "lake" formation process from a dye is not recognized.
How is HS code 320500 structured?
HS code 320500 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.